Movies

6 Must-See Anthology Movies According To Ebert

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Anthology films are not made frequently enough, but they offer an enjoyable experience. These types of movies usually contain three or more individual stories that can be watched independently, although they may share common themes. The concept of anthology films dates back to the 1910s when D.W. Griffith attempted parallel storytelling in Intolerance, featuring multiple narratives from various historical periods. However, it wasn’t until the 1940s that this format gained a clear shape with Dead of Night. Since then, many directors have occasionally dabbled in this genre.

Which ones among them does Roger Ebert, known for his discerning taste, particularly endorse? Given his critical approach, anthology films may not have fully pleased him due to their diverse tones. Had Wild Tales been released during his lifetime, it’s likely he would have highly appreciated it. Regrettably, that didn’t happen.

This list will focus on anthology movies that Roger Ebert gave two out of four stars or more.

6
‘Four Rooms’ (1995)

Ebert’s Score: Two Out of Four Stars

Four Rooms is a black comedy film that was co-directed by Quentin Tarantino, Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, and Robert Rodriguez. This anthology farce is set on New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Mon Signor in Los Angeles, where four distinct stories unfold about various guests: one story revolves around witches trying to revive a goddess, another features a man unknowingly participating in a hostage role-play, another follows mischievous children causing chaos while their parents celebrate, and the final tale centers around a dangerous game involving finger amputation.

Partly Funny

The film “Four Rooms” boasts standout performances from Antonio Banderas, Marisa Tomei, and Tim Roth, with each delivering solid acting. Madonna also appears in the movie, but her performance fell flat, earning her a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actress. Critics were particularly unimpressed by her role.

Roger Ebert found the film amusing at times, but believed it had potential for improvement. He was particularly impressed by Robert Rodriguez’s “The Misbehavers” segment, which he deemed the funniest of the lot. Despite Quentin Tarantino being a highly skilled director during that period, Ebert felt his “The Man from Hollywood” segment was less impactful. In his words: “Tarantino had the right concept in satirizing himself, but unfortunately seems to lack an understanding of why he is amusing. A film about him creating this movie could have been uproariously funny.

5
‘Twilight Zone: The Movie’ (1983)

Ebert’s Score: Two Out of Four Stars

Twilight Zone: The Movie comprises four tales, each directed by a renowned filmmaker – John Landis, Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante, and George Miller. Notably, only the story directed by Landis is an original creation. The remaining narratives are adaptations of episodes from the original television series. Actors from the original show also grace the movie with their performances.

Landis’s narrative centers around a person with intolerant views who travels through time, encountering the hardships faced by oppressed groups such as Jews during World War II and African Americans during the era of slavery. In Spielberg’s part, we find elderly individuals indulging in childhood games, while Dante’s account follows a character with abilities to manipulate reality, and Miller concludes with a man who claims to have witnessed a creature like a gremlin outside a plane’s window.

A Shaky but Palatable Remake

Ebert pointed out an interesting observation: “It’s striking that the two renowned filmmakers were outshone by directors who were relatively unknown, their past works primarily in horror and action genres.” Ebert suggested that Spielberg might have recognized that he and Landis delivered less impressive results, which is likely why he organized the stories in order of increasing excitement.

As a dedicated fan, I never imagined a new Twilight Zone movie would be on the horizon, let alone a remake. But who could resist when giants like Spielberg and Landis were at the helm? While it was Spielberg’s idea, someone should have cautioned him to give it some serious thought before diving in, as his execution leaves much to be desired. A hint of summertime disillusionment even seeps through the acting performances. However, the final two segments are mind-blowing!

4
‘New York Stories’ (1989)

Ebert’s Score: Two and a Half Out of Four Stars

New York Tales features two sections, both masterminded by legendary figures of the gangster film genre – Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola, along with one segment produced by Woody Allen. In Scorsese’s “Lessons in Life,” a tormented abstract artist becomes fixated on his alluring apprentice as he struggles to conquer creative stagnation. Coppola’s “A Life Without Zoë” revolves around a privileged young woman confronting various obstacles within a Manhattan hotel. Allen’s “Oedipus in Chaos” centers on an anxious individual whose overbearing mother begins to disclose his secrets publicly.

Scorsese to the Rescue

This trailblazing collection was showcased outside the competition at Cannes Film Festival, yet it certainly merited some accolades. Notably, among the directors, only Woody Allen took on an acting role, and he executed it skillfully. His portrayal will evoke a range of feelings within you. Furthermore, keep your eyes peeled for Adrien Brody and Kirsten Dunst as they make their cinematic debuts in this film.

In his review, Ebert, who openly admired Martin Scorsese, highlighted the director’s piece as the most impressive among three films. He remarked that, “of the three films, one was good, one was poor, and one fell short of expectations.” Ebert further praised “Life Lessons,” Scorsese’s tale about a middle-aged artist and his discontented younger girlfriend, stating it as the only truly successful story. He found Coppola’s segment to be “underdeveloped” and regretted that Allen’s piece, which started promisingly, veered off course around halfway through.

3
‘New York, I Love You’ (2009)

Ebert’s Score: Three Out of Four Stars

New York, My Affection,” comprises eleven brief episodes, each directed by different filmmakers. These stories delve into love experiences within New York City, encompassing fleeting meetings, deep-rooted relationships, and everything in between. The characters are diverse, ranging from immigrants to artists, elderly couples to teenagers. A common theme ties them together – a videographer who captures the others on film.

Something for Everyone

Roger Ebert described the movie as a chaotic mix, but pointed out that it offers delightful surprises. He also appreciated that there was something appealing to various tastes, expressing that “New York, I Love You doesn’t coalesce into a whole. It stands as the combined essence of its elements. If one segment doesn’t resonate with you, give it some time, another one is on its way soon.

Certain narratives flourish with biting humor, while others lean into rich sensuality. You’ll encounter numerous captivating duos, where one partner gracefully yields to the other’s larger-than-life character. Some choose courtship, marriage, or commitment, while others keep things casual; all these dynamics make for a fascinating spectacle. Boasting an impressive cast that includes James Caan, Eli Wallach, Bradley Cooper, Shia LaBeouf, Natalie Portman, Orlando Bloom, Robin Wright, Julie Christie, Maggie Q, and Ethan Hawke, there’s little room for error in terms of acting performance.

2
‘Creepshow’ (1982)

Ebert’s Score: Three Out of Four Stars

Under the guidance of director George A. Romero and writer Stephen King, and drawing inspiration from the horror comics of the 1950s, the film Creepshow unfolds, telling five spine-tingling tales experienced by a boy as he reads an enchanted comic book. In “Father’s Day,” a vengeful man returns from the dead after being murdered. “The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill” follows the tragic tale of a farmer overtaken by alien moss. “Something to Tide You Over” delves into a millionaire’s twisted revenge on an unfaithful partner. A creature lurks within the confines of a mysterious crate in “The Crate,” and “They’re Creeping Up on You” explores the terror faced by a germaphobe at the hands of relentless cockroaches.

Collaboration of the Decade

This distinctive anthology film showcases Romero’s distinct style, blending vividly aware and subconscious visuals in innovative and explosive settings. Moreover, it delves back into King’s recurring motifs: the disturbance of empty, structured lives, revealing the darker desires that often lie hidden beneath people’s routine existences.

Roger Ebert noted that “Romero and King made this film with humor, affection, and a keen appreciation for the eerie,” and he recommended it to all, stating, “The terror in Creepshow resonates universally, much like its presentation does.

1
‘Cat’s Eye’ (1985)

Ebert’s Score: Three Out of Four Stars

Once again, a captivating tale penned by Stephen King. “Cat’s Eye” weaves together three distinct narratives, as if viewed through the eyes of a wandering feline. In “Quitters, Inc.”, a chilling account unfolds about a covert operation for individuals yearning to break free from their smoking habits. The suspenseful short story “The Ledge” revolves around a gambler confronting an uncommon form of retribution. Lastly, the climactic segment, “General“, portrays the cat safeguarding a young girl from a menacing gnome-like creature.

A Cat Sees a Lot

Ebert found it remarkable, describing it as a “superior movie series in the vein of Twilight anthology.” He also pointed out that “Stephen King appears to be delving deep into human fear manuals, and ‘Cat’s Eye’ is one of his most potent cinematic creations.”

Ebert was struck by its excellence, labeling it as a “top-tier film that resembles the Twilight series anthology.” He also remarked that “Stephen King appears to be exploring human fears meticulously in his works, and ‘Cat’s Eye’ is one of his most impactful films.

Despite feeling a bit frightened, I recommend you watch this movie for its captivating performance. The lively James Woods and suave Alan King form an impressive duo, but Drew Barrymore steals the show as the enigmatic lead character of the anthology. In 1987, the film was recognized with a nomination for the International Fantasy Film Award for Best Film. Additionally, Barrymore received a nomination for the Young Artist Award for her exceptional performance in that movie.

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2025-04-27 18:04

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